A Level Further Maths (Reformed), September 2017 onwards

The Further Mathematics A Level offers students an opportunity to explore complex and subtle concepts that reveal the beauty at the heart of the mathematical universe. You will learn how to use powerful techniques crucial to other subjects - such as Physics, Engineering or Computer Science – but that are also fascinating and remarkable in their own right.

“Let us grant that the pursuit of mathematics is a divine madness of the human spirit, a refuge from the goading urgency of contingent happenings.” Alfred North Whitehead

Entry requirements

As well as the general entry requirementsto Sixth Form, students will need at leasta Grade 8 in their Mathematics GCSE, and preferably to have studied the AQA Level 2 Further Maths Certificate. Students are also expected to study Mathematics A Level alongside this qualification.

Course description

Further Mathematics will extend the students’ mathematical experience to exciting and challenging new realms. New possibilities and techniques for interpreting and analysing increasing complex situations will be developed and students will find themselves studying concepts that previously seemed impossible.

Students will also explore the worlds of statistics and mechanics more deeply. Using powerful new calculus techniques and subtle algebraic skills, students will model and analyse intricate and demanding scenarios. Topics will include complex numbers, vectors and matrices, and hyperbolic functions. These will then be applied to real-world statistical situations such Chi-squared tests, Poisson distributions, and hypothesis testing; and circular motion, impulse, and elastic collisions.

Students will sit four exam papers, one per module (Core Pure 1 and 2, Further Statistics 1, and Further Mechanics 1). Each of these covers 75 marks over a 1.5 hour exam and comprises 25% of the final mark. These will be taken at the end of Year 13.

Ways to help my child succeed

Regular and focused practice is the key to success in the Further Mathematics A Level. Parents or carers should ask to see assessments and exercises done as homework and make sure the work is clear and neat. Ask the student to explain what they are doing in each step, as teaching others is a powerful method of learning.

As the course is delivered as separate modules, it is vital that students keep their notes organised and accessible. They should have individual folders for each module, sorted into chapters. Notes and assessment should be filed in the correct place, along with any revision material the student has sourced themselves. Even in the unlikely scenario that a student has no specific homework to complete, they could benefit greatly from making sure their notes are in order and reviewing previous chapters.

Useful websites

www.mymaths.co.uk has an excellent series of lessons and online assessments on the A Level topics.